Manchester United step up interest to sign 20-year-old Serie A star linked with Chelsea: Reports
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in signing Denmark’s highly rated star Patrick Dorgu, according to Football Insider. The versatile defender, who currently plays for U.S. Lecce in Serie A, has attracted interest from several clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Dorgu began his career at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland but moved to Lecce in 2022 at the age of 18. After spending a year with their youth team, he made his Serie A debut last season, and immediately impressed. In his first full season, the youngster made 34 appearances, scoring twice and providing one assist across all competitions.
Dorgu has continued his impressive form into his second full season, already matching his previous goal tally in just 12 games. Dorgu’s strong performances also earned him a debut with Denmark’s national team, where he has already scored once in three appearances.
Primarily a left-back, Dorgu is highly versatile and can also play as a left-winger or a left-sided midfielder. He is effective on the flank, and is known for his impressive pace and composure in the attacking third.
Manchester United are in dire need of a left-back, given the injury issues affecting both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, neither of whom has appeared for the club this season. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have rotated in the left-back position, but Dorgu would provide a quality addition to the squad.
However, United are reportedly set to face strong competition from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool are also linked with the defender. Chelsea may be in the market for a left-back as Ben Chilwell is currently not favored by manager Enzo Maresca. Tottenham could use Dorgu to compete for a spot alongside Destiny Udogie.
How have Manchester United performed so far in the 2024-25 season?
Manchester United entered the season fresh off an FA Cup victory, though they only managed an eighth-place finish in the Premier League. After the newly restructured board decided to stick with Erik ten Hag, who was reportedly close to being sacked over the summer, the club’s situation has only worsened.
United have experienced one of the worst starts to a league campaign in their history, as they accumulated just 11 points in the first nine games. Ten Hag was dismissed following a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, and Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped in as interim manager.
The Dutchman made a promising start, leading United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup before securing a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Manchester United, however, acted swiftly in the market, finalizing the signing of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach will officially join the Red Devils on November 11 and will oversee his first match after the international break against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.